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Prince can party like it’s 1999, but only Taylor Swift can legally ‘party like it’s 1989’

by Jay Gabler

January 28, 2015

Despite the fact that the phrase is a clear reference to Prince's song "1999," Taylor Swift has filed for federal trademark protection of the phrase "party like it's 1989."

The year is the title of her Swift's new album, which also contains the newly trademarked phrase "this sick beat." You'll additionally get in trouble with Swift's lawyers if you try to sell certain items emblazoned with the phrases "'cause we never go out of style," "I could show you incredible things," or "nice to meet you, where you been?"

Vox discovered that Swift has filed for trademark protection of those phrases, all linked to 1989 and likely to be used on merch related to Swift's upcoming tour (which stops at the Xcel Energy Center for three nights in September).

Rolling Stone notes that "some of the more obscure—and likely obligatory—items covered by her trademarks include typewriters, walking sticks, non-medicated toiletries, Christmas stockings, 'knitting implements,' pot holders, lanyards, aprons, whalebone, napkin holders and the particularly ominous collection of 'whips, harness and saddlery.'"

Sounds like something Darling Nikki could get down with—but only in 1999, or 1984, or 1982 (the year 1999 came out). Definitely not in 1989™.

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